They included a meeting in Romania and round-table talks in Mexico.

Constantin Rotaru, chairman of the Romanian Socialist Union, said that the birthday of Kim Jong Il is a significant day for not only the Korean people but also the progressive mankind.

Kim Jong Il has raised the DPRK to the position of a politico-ideological and military power under the banner of Songun, he stressed.

Alberto Anaya Gutierrez, coordinator of the National Coordinating Committee of the Workers' Party of Mexico, praised the immortal exploits of Kim Jong Il who has wisely led the Workers' Party of Korea and the army and the people of the DPRK.

Today the DPRK is squarely standing against the U.S. and it is unthinkable without his matchless courage, pluck and Songun leadership, the coordinator said, adding: His exploits will shine long as treasure of the whole mankind.